Check Out a College
Or two or three colleges. A brochure, view book or online tour can spark your interest, but nothing can substitute for a visit and firsthand view.
Campus Tours
Make the most of your visit and avoid disappointment by planning ahead. Don’t just show up and expect a personal tour.
Of course, campus tours are much more interesting when classes are in session, so check the quarterly calendar.
Ways to experience a campus
GROUP TOURS
Most campuses offer a general campus tour program. These cover a lot of area in a short amount of time and give you a feel for the college overall. Some include in-class or lab visits and an overview of student services.
Unless it’s a tour tailored in advance for your group, this style of tour may not allow you to visit the specific programs you want to see.
For customized tours for high school groups, career training and community organizations, most colleges prefer at least three week’s notice.
OPEN HOUSE
Many colleges host college fair events that are open to the public. These are often held evenings or on a Saturday. While you may not get the full campus tour, you can meet faculty and staff to connect you with resources and answer your questions one-on-one.
INDIVIDUAL VISIT
If you only want to sit in on one biology class or spend time in the automotive collision repair lab, you will most likely need to arrange directly with a department or faculty member. To coordinate a personalized department or in-class visit, allow at least two weeks prior notice.
PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS
Some programs have standing dates for information sessions and tours. This is a great option if you are interested in only seeing one area; for example, culinary arts, nursing, commercial photography or wine-making.
ON YOUR OWN
You can get a campus map and visit the public areas of the campus, such as the cafeteria, library, student center and bookstore.